"So that's how it works, really convenient." Naruto says in admiration.
"And it's so pretty too. Compared to sealing scrolls, space rings make scrolls look so tacky." Sakura says, her eyes sparkling as she gazes at the ring on Neji's hand.
The others quietly watch as Imperial Neji operates the strange device he just took out.
Soon, the device emits a peculiar creaking sound, and a light screen slowly opens, spinning continuously.
Finally, before everyone's eyes, the tall and imposing figure of Ryuji appears.
"Looks like it worked. The space-time communication device, which took the development team years to research, is finally proving useful. But… why is it you contacting me, Neji?"
"Wait… who's that Uchiha beside you? Obito? How are you there?" Ryuji looks at the weary Obito with slight surprise.
Imperial Neji quickly recounts the earlier events.
After listening, Ryuji isn't angry. He only sighs inwardly:
'I originally thought Obito in my world was completely broken after failing to compete with Kakashi for Nohara Rin… but this ultimate simp truly lives up to his reputation.'
'Not only did he awaken the Mangekyou Sharingan, but he somehow learned about the other world, barging into the Ryuumyaku at the last moment, forcing Uchiha Itachi to withdraw for the sake of space-time stability.'
'A simp like this is beyond saving… but his Kamui is indeed powerful and useful. It might even help Neji and Lee more.'
"Your Majesty the Emperor… please forgive me… I wanted to see Rin in this world… I'll accept any punishment you give, but please let me meet Rin first before you punish me… please…" Imperial Obito kneels on both knees, head bowed, filled with shame and regret.
"Your Majesty, just give the order, and I'll immediately kill this bastard who defied your will, disrupted the Empire's grand plans, and endangered everyone's safety!" Imperial Neji says, seething with anger.
This outburst shocks the four from the ninja world again. Why is this Neji so quick to talk about killing?
He seemed friendly enough before.
"Hey, hey, hey! No need for that. Even if this Obito guy did something bad, killing him is too much, right? Is the Shinobi Empire the kind of place that kills people over small things? If we join, will we also get killed for little mistakes?" Naruto, seeing the situation escalate, can't help but speak up.
"Neji… constant fighting and killing isn't good. According to His Majesty, we martial artists should prioritize subduing others with virtue. Youth shouldn't be like this." Imperial Lee also advises.
"But what this guy did…" Imperial Neji says, still unconvinced.
"It's fine. Talk about punishment when you return. Punishing Obito now would only waste a valuable combat asset. Obito's awakened Kamui is very useful, perhaps even more suitable for you than Itachi. However, from now on, you'll take the captain's role, Neji." Ryuji says calmly.
Inwardly, he can't help but think.
He was initially looking forward to how his world's Itachi would react upon learning about the Uchiha Clan's massacre in the ninja world, much of it tied to him.
Unexpectedly, an even more significant figure showed up!
'If my world's Obito learns that Rin died, the Uchiha Clan was wiped out because of him, and he even killed his teacher Minato and Kushina in this world, what will his reaction be? Interesting! This is going to be very interesting!'
Ryuji thinks with a touch of gossip and dark amusement.
Even at his level, he can't resist the allure of juicy drama.
It's human nature!
"Your will, Your Majesty!" Imperial Neji, seeing Ryuji's words, doesn't say more, only responding respectfully.
"Thank you for your mercy, Your Majesty. I won't let you down." Imperial Obito whispers, ashamed.
"Then that's all. I await your good news." Ryuji says finally, his figure vanishing.
Imperial Neji puts away the device, glaring at Imperial Obito.
"You got lucky, Obito of the Uchiha Clan. Let's go! This time, we head straight to Konoha. As the strongest ninja village among the five great nations, understanding their specific strengths will give us a good grasp of the ninja world."
"Of course, after that, Naruto, Yamato, Sakura, and Sai, you'll need to put in some effort to persuade the Hokage as much as possible. With Konoha joining first, I'm confident the other ninja villages will know what to do."
"I'm with you." Imperial Obito says, a glimmer of light in his eyes.
'Soon! Soon I'll see Rin!'
The two worlds aren't the same, so Rin in this world might still offer a chance!
"Rest assured, everyone, we know what we need to do." Yamato nods.
Naruto's heart feels complex, but it's mostly filled with excitement and enthusiasm.
"Finally, I can go back and see everyone. With my strength now, I'll definitely blow their minds, right?"
Though he only stayed in the Empire for two short months, his progress far surpasses the nearly three years of training with that pervy sage.
"Of course, the current Naruto is very strong. Even if you face the old Sasuke again, I'm sure he wouldn't be your match." Sai says.
Naruto's expression freezes, growing more complex:
"Sasuke… I wonder when I'll see Sasuke again… but next time we meet, I'm sure you can bring him back, Naruto." Sakura says.
"Yeah! I'll definitely bring Sasuke back!" Naruto nods seriously.
"That's the spirit! That's what youth is about—never giving up! Naruto-kun! Now, let's head to Konoha. As martial artists, you all need to work harder! From now on, let's frog-hop to Konoha together!" Imperial Lee shouts, crouching and starting to frog-hop.
"Wait! Lee… no, Tang! Your appearance in Konoha is quite eye-catching. I hope before the Hokage accepts you, you can use the Transformation Technique to change your looks and avoid causing unnecessary trouble." Yamato quickly stops him.
"What Yamato-senpai said makes sense. But I can't do the Transformation Technique!" Imperial Lee smacks his head, eyes wide.
"Huh? Lee's like our Lee, not great at ninjutsu? Then let me help style you up a bit." Sakura says, slightly surprised.
"Style up? No need! Though I'm not skilled in ninjutsu, I'm a master of martial arts!" Imperial Lee shakes his head, shaking his head and winking at Sakura.
His words confuse the four from the ninja world.
Changing appearance—what's that got to do with martial arts?
They want to ask, but the next moment, they understand the connection.
"Life Return!" Imperial Lee says softly.
His facial muscles begin to twist and twitch. Then, right before the four ninja's eyes, he transforms into an ordinary-looking person completely unrelated to the previous Lee.